(Motorsport-Total.com) – Despite Oliver Bearman’s heavy crash at the Formula 1 race in Japan, Haas remains the positive surprise of the new season. Because behind the three top teams Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren, the small private racing team currently occupies fourth place in the constructors’ world championship – ahead of the collective midfield competition and also Red Bull.
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Haas was able to score points in every race so far – even in the China sprint. The year started with a seventh place for Bearman in Australia, which he followed up with eighth place in the China sprint, before providing the highlight so far with fifth place in Shanghai on Sunday.
This even put the Englishman in fifth place in the drivers’ world championship, but a weak weekend in Suzuka including a crash in the Spoon curve abruptly slowed down his form curve. Instead, his teammate Esteban Ocon stepped into the breach, whose tenth place at least ensured that Haas’ points streak did not end.
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“It’s great that we have scored points in every single race as the smallest team under these brand-new regulations, which is really positive,” says team principal Ayao Komatsu, who considers the current fourth place with 18 points to be “fantastic.”
However, he knows that this is only a snapshot and that the competition is lurking. Alpine and Red Bull are only two points behind the Americans, and the Racing Bulls are also within striking distance with a four-point gap – and these teams have also scored points every weekend so far.
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“The competition between fourth and seventh place is extremely tough, with only four points between them. That’s why we have to make the most of this time in April to analyze everything we’ve learned so far,” warns Komatsu.
“We need to refine our processes, continue to optimize the car and understand how we can perform even better every time we go out on track.” Bearman’s Q1 exit in Suzuka should in any case be a warning that not everything always runs smoothly.
“I’m eager to hit the ground running in Miami,” the team principal continues. “Well done by everyone so far – let’s use this time to recharge and refocus.”
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